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Heathen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heathen

[หˆhiห.รฐษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religion

A person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially one who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim) as regarded by those who do.

Synonyms

infidel, non-believer, pagan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heathen

Often used in historical or religious contexts to describe people who do not follow one of the major monotheistic religions, particularly by those within those religions. Nowadays, it can be taken as offensive.

  • In medieval times, Christians referred to many indigenous peoples as heathens.
  • Some literature describes explorers encountering 'heathen' lands.
pagan

Primarily used in historical contexts or to denote people who follow pre-Christian or nature-based religions. In modern times, it is also used by some groups who revive or practice ancient religions. Can sometimes be neutral or negative depending on the context.

  • The Romans considered the early Christians to be pagans.
  • Modern pagans celebrate solstices and equinoxes as part of their religious practices.
infidel

Commonly used in historical or religious contexts, particularly within Islam and Christianity, to describe someone who does not believe in the dominant religion. This term is often seen as derogatory and outdated.

  • During the Crusades, Christians and Muslims called each other infidels.
  • The term infidel is now considered offensive and inappropriate.
non-believer

A neutral term used to describe someone who does not believe in a particular religion or god. This is suitable for both casual and formal discussions without carrying significant negative connotations.

  • As a non-believer, he respected all religions but did not follow any.
  • She described herself as a non-believer when asked about her faith.

Examples of usage

  • The missionaries tried to convert the heathens to Christianity.
  • The heathen beliefs of the indigenous tribes clashed with the colonizers' religion.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person regarded as irreligious, uncivilized, or unenlightened.

Synonyms

barbarian, savage, uncivilized person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heathen

Commonly used in historical or religious contexts to describe someone who does not follow a particular religion, especially Christianity. Can be seen as pejorative.

  • The missionaries aimed to convert the heathen tribes to Christianity.
  • In medieval times, anyone who was not a Christian was often labeled a heathen.
savage

Used to describe someone or something as extremely wild or uncontrollable. Can be considered derogatory and offensive.

  • The explorers spoke of the 'savage' tribes they encountered in the jungle.
  • He acted like a savage, showing no regard for the rules.
barbarian

Typically used to describe someone perceived as uncivilized or primitive, often in a cultural or historical context. Has a negative connotation.

  • The Roman Empire considered the Germanic tribes as barbarians.
  • He was viewed as a barbarian because of his lack of manners.
uncivilized person

Describes someone who lacks cultural, social, or moral development according to certain societal standards. Usually negative in tone.

  • The isolated tribe was deemed uncivilized by the visiting anthropologists.
  • She thought of him as an uncivilized person due to his crude behavior.

Examples of usage

  • The heathens at the party were more interested in drinking than discussing philosophy.
  • The professor referred to the students who skipped his lectures as heathens.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religion

  • The term often applies to pre-Christian belief systems, as many ancient cultures worshipped multiple deities.
  • In medieval times, people used 'heathen' to demean local tribes or communities that held different spiritual practices.
  • It can also describe the practice of pantheism or nature worship, highlighting a reverence for the natural world.

Culture

  • In modern times, 'heathen' has been reclaimed by some groups as a way to celebrate their pagan or earth-centered beliefs.
  • Heathenry, a contemporary pagan movement, draws inspiration from ancient Norse and Germanic traditions.
  • The term can sometimes carry a light-hearted connotation among those who identify as spiritual but not religious.

Literature

  • The concept has appeared in various literary works, often to highlight themes of exclusion or the clash between belief systems.
  • Writers like John Milton and William Blake used the term to explore religious themes and highlight the conflict between faith and reason.
  • In modern fantasy literature, 'heathens' often appear as characters from tribes with rich spiritual beliefs that contrast with the protagonistsโ€™ views.

Psychology

  • The label carries stigma, which can influence social dynamics and perceptions of those identified as outside the majority's belief systems.
  • Studies suggest that labeling someone a 'heathen' can impact their social interaction and acceptance within communities.
  • Beliefs about spirituality and religion can significantly shape an individualโ€™s identity and community belonging.

Origin of 'heathen'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from Old English 'hรฆthen,' which referred to someone from the countryside, often seen as uncivilized.
  • Originally, it was used by Christians to describe non-Christians, especially those who worshipped multiple gods.
  • The word has been used since the 14th century, evolving to encompass themes of disbelief in organized religion.

The word 'heathen' originated from the Old English term 'hวฃรฐen', meaning 'not Christian or Jewish', and was used to describe people who practiced polytheistic religions or were perceived as uncivilized. Over time, it acquired derogatory connotations due to its association with non-Christian beliefs. In contemporary usage, 'heathen' is often considered offensive and outdated, with 'pagan' or 'non-believer' preferred in more neutral contexts.

See also: heath, heather, heathland.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,589 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.